Moxibustion (con't)Direct MoxibustionWith indirect moxibustion the moxa is burnt close to the skin. This may be done by using a cone of moxa, as described above, which is insulated from the skin with a layer of ginger or garlic or salt. Alternately, a lump of moxa can be placed on the head of an acupuncture needle after insertion into an acupuncture point. When this is burnt it transmits heat along the needle shaft and deep into the tissues where it relaxes and tonifies the muscle tissue. Needle Head Moxibustion for low back painMoxa sticks, which resemble cigars, provide a very flexible way of directing heat into the body. When the tip of the stick is burnt the glowing end can be directed close to the surface of the body, allowing a warming effect over a wider area. This is very useful for treating fresh, not-yet-healed scars or damaged areas of skin; it is also useful for warming joints and promoting blood production when applied to relevant acupuncture points. EffectsMost of the research data on the effects of moxibustion have come from Japan in the first half of the 20th century. A notable early researcher was Doctor Shimetaro Hara who applied Rice Grain Moxibustion to himself at St 36 on a daily basis and who just happened to become the oldest practising physician at over 100 years of age. His research showed that the application of rice grain moxibustion increased the white blood cell (WBC) count in adults. The WBC peaked eight hours after application and remained high for three days. Various other studies showed, amongst other things, that moxibustion:
In addition to these more scientific descriptions, we can say that the practice of moxibustion leads to an increase in relaxation and well being in the patient and often to more effective clinical results. It is particular valuable for joint and back pain and for tonifying or nourishing those people with moderate or serious levels of deficiency.
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